Invokana® is an oral medication used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. A doctor may prescribe Invokana for one of three reasons:
- To regulate blood sugar
- To reduce the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death in adults with type 2 diabetes who have cardiovascular disease
- To reduce the risk of end-stage kidney disease and decreased kidney function in adults with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease, or nephropathy, who have a certain level of protein their urine
Before taking Invokana, you should thoroughly review the benefits and potential risks of the medication with your doctor. It is especially important to discuss:
- Your other medications
- Over the counter medications that you take, including vitamins
- Your medical history including amputations, heart disease, risks for heart disease, blocked or narrowed blood vessels, nerve damage in the leg, diabetic foot ulcers, kidney problems, liver problems, urinary tract infections or urinary problems, diet, pancreas problems, alcohol use, and allergic reactions to medications
Who Should Not Take Invokana
According to Invokana’s website, Invokana should not be taken by people:
- With type 1 diabetes
- With diabetic ketoacidosis
- Who have severe kidney disease and are taking Invokana to lower their blood sugar
- Who are on kidney dialysis
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Additionally, Invokana is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat people under the age of 18.
How to Know If Someone Is Taking Invokana
You likely know if you are taking Invokana. If you have any questions about your own prescriptions, then you can contact your doctor or pharmacist to confirm your medications.
If your loved one is conscious and alert, then you can ask your loved one about his medications. However, if your loved one is seriously ill or has died, then you will need to get the information another way. Your loved one’s power of attorney may be able to talk to the doctor or pharmacist or request a copy of your loved one’s medical records so that you can confirm his medications.
Invokana Injuries and Recoveries
Invokana helps many people manage the health risks of type 2 diabetes, but like most medications, it also has risks. When medication risks are fully disclosed to doctors and patients, then patients can make informed decisions about whether they want to accept the risks.
However, many people have sued Johnson & Johnson, the maker of Invokana, alleging that they were not warned about potentially serious or fatal side effects, including:
- Amputations. People with diabetes have an increased risk of amputation. However, the risk of amputation is even higher for people taking Invokana. Johnson & Johnson first warned people of this risk in May 2016 and added a black box warning about it a year later in May 2017.
- Fournier’s gangrene. This serious condition is caused by an infection around the genitals. It can occur in both men and women. In some cases, Fournier’s gangrene can be fatal. Johnson & Johnson warned the public of this risk in August 2018.
The plaintiffs in Invokana cases allege that they were hurt by Johnson & Johnson’s failure to warn them of these risks before they suffered from them. They are fighting for fair recoveries of past and future medical expenses, lost income, out-of-pocket costs, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other losses, and if you’ve been hurt by Johnson & Johnson’s failure to warn about Invokana side effects, then you may be able to pursue a similar recovery.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious Invokana side effect before a warning was added to the drug’s label or insert, then we encourage you to contact Keefe Disability Law today for an honest case review. We will thoroughly review your claim and provide you with all of your legal options so that you can make an informed decision about your next legal steps. Call us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Are You Looking for a Mass Tort Attorney in Boston, MA?
If you have been injured by dangerous drugs you need to speak with an experienced mass torts lawyer as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Natick Office directly at 888.904.6847 to schedule your free consultation.
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